Children's book author

Thank you, New York City Department of Education, for selecting More-igami for the 2019 NYC Reads 365 reading list!

NYC Reads 365 is a citywide program that encourages kids to read by providing them lists of “interesting high quality books for independent reading.” More-igami was one of 20 titles chosen for this year’s kindergarten reading list.

I’m deeply grateful to announce that I’ve been selected to receive a Marion Vannett Ridgway Honor Award for More-igami.

The Ridgway Award is given annually “in recognition of an outstanding debut in the world of children’s picture books.” Established in 1993, the award is named for an artist’s representative who took a special interest in new authors and illustrators just breaking into the publishing business.

Winners are selected by a group of published authors and illustrators.

I’m extra happy about this nomination, because it means More-igami will be shared with children all over Washington. During the 2017-18 school year, librarians and teachers in public and private schools throughout the state will read all the nominated books to students in kindergarten through third grade. Then the kids will vote for their favorites. How wonderful to know that my story will be heard by thousands of school children — an author’s dream come true.

Thank you to the Chicago Public Library for naming More-igami one of its 30 Best Picture Books of 2016, a collection the library describes as “the very best picture books published for kids from birth to 3rd grade in 2016.” What a wonderful honor to be included on this list.